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ECEC Provider in Focus – Adventure Patch
Freya Lucas
Apr 28, 2023
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Adventure Patch Family Day Care (FDC) is part of a Tasmanian not-for-profit early childhood education and care provider which offers multiple types of care including FDC, long day care (LDC), outside school hours care (OSHC) and vacation care.
What is the history of Adventure Patch? Previously known as Blackmans Bay Childrens Services, Adventure Patch has grown into a state-wide service which has a focus on fun, exploring and imagination.Blackmans Bay Childrens Services was established in 1980 as an occasional care service with 20 places for children aged between two and five years.
Between 1985 and 1990, the centre transitioned to an LDC model, and grew to 30 places, allowing one-year-old children to attend. OSHC services were also established in this time period, using the adjacent Blackmans Bay Primary School site.
In 1998, the provider purchased the Blackmans Bay School Kindergarten building and land from the Department of Education, and renovations were completed allowing 73 children from birth to five years of age to be educated and cared for.
A number of other acquisitions, responses to tender and extensions took place over the coming years, and the number of services in the OSHC space grew.
A dedicated administration building was purchased, and in 2017, the provider entered the FDC space, taking on the approved provider and support role for Kingborough FDC from the Kingborough Council, followed quickly by taking on the same role for Launceston Council in 2018.
In 2019, Blackmans Bay Childrens Services was officially renamed Adventure Patch.
What is Adventure Patch’s vision and approach to learning?
Adventure Patch encourages outdoor and self-directed play, getting messy and having fun within caring and safe boundaries.
Educators across all service types are considered to be the driving force behind a whole-of-organisation approach to fun in early childhood education and care.
“We’re encouraging the community to return to the basics: play, adventure and fun within caring and safe boundaries. We are about creating connections with nature and exploring the things that spark a child’s curiosity,” a spokesperson noted.
“Embracing what inspires each child allows us to help them learn in their own individual way. We stand by the philosophy of choice. We know that children are competent beings and with the right encouragement, their development can be enhanced by promoting freedom to play and have fun.” Are there any unique aspects to the Adventure Patch offer? Yes, there are. Educators have benefits such as:
- Above-award wages
- Professional development opportunities
- Dedicated learning and development team
- Career progression opportunities.
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